Obituary of Len Gelfand

Len Gelfand, of Calgary, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 24, 2008. Len was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent his early years there. He moved out West with his family and spent time in the Armed Forces on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver. In the early 1950’s he moved back to Calgary, where he lived the rest of his life. He worked with his late brother, Barney, at the Stampeder Hotel and Barney’s Kentucky Fried Chicken until 1972 where he pursued his love of books and bought the Hillhurst Bookstore; which he owned and ran until its closure. Len was an intelligent, soft-spoken, private man. He had a passion for literature and read extensively. He also had a love of sports including soccer, baseball and football. Len was predeceased by his parents, Tevya and Rose Gelfand; his brothers, Barney, Irwin (Spike), and Sydney; as well as his two sisters, Sally and Mary. He is survived by his loving brother Saul, and sister-in-laws, Ethel of Vancouver and Ruth of Winnipeg. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, Karen (Morley), Elliot (Dena), Lewis (Stella), Joel (Stephanie), Gary (Jamie), Tom (Shelly), Michelle (Ian), Barbara (John) and Trevor, as well as many great nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all those who were so kind towards Len, including Dr. Alain Tremblay, Dr. Julia Perry and all the wonderful, compassionate nurses and caregivers at the Chinook Hospice. A private Funeral was held on Friday, December 26, 2008 with arrangements by the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37th Street S.W., Telephone: 244-4717.